When you think of bacon, seaweed probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But for Amanda Stiles and Beth Zotter, that unexpected combo was the beginning of a revolutionary business journey. Their startup, UMARO Foods, didn’t just land a deal on Shark Tank, it’s gone on to redefine plant-based innovation and sustainability in food.
Today, UMARO Foods’ net worth in 2025 is estimated at over $45 million, a massive leap from its pre-Shark Tank valuation.
Let’s dive deep into how UMARO Foods went from algae labs to supermarket shelves, the role of Mark Cuban in its growth, and what makes this deal one of the smartest moves in Shark Tank history.
Founder Profile: Who’s Behind UMARO Foods?
UMARO Foods was founded by Beth Zotter and Dr. Amanda Stiles, two powerhouse women with strong academic and industry credentials.
Beth, an energy economist with a background in renewable technology, came up with the bold idea of turning seaweed, one of the most sustainable crops on Earth, into a protein-rich food source. Amanda, who holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology and previously worked as the Director of Research at Ripple Foods, brought the science to life.
“We realized that seaweed is one of the few untapped, sustainable proteins. And nobody was using it for anything more than snacks,”
Beth Zotter
Before founding UMARO, both women had already made waves in their respective fields. Their mission? Bring real, delicious, sustainable meat alternatives to market, starting with bacon.
The Shark Tank Pitch: High Stakes in the Tank
UMARO Foods appeared on Shark Tank in Season 13, Episode 18, and their pitch was anything but ordinary. With samples of seaweed-based bacon in hand, Amanda and Beth walked into the tank seeking $500,000 for 2% equity, putting their valuation at a bold $25 million.
The Sharks were intrigued but cautious. Plant-based food wasn’t new, but seaweed as the core protein? That was a game-changer.
“You are badass women. I love badass women,”
Mark Cuban
Tensions rose as Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and Mark Cuban all showed interest. Lori offered $1 million for 8%, citing her retail connections. Mark countered with a creative deal, $500,000 for 4%, non-dilutive through the next round. He eventually lowered his ask to 7%.
“Cuban, you have a deal. We’ll take her,” said the founders, sealing a deal with Mark.
This wasn’t Mark’s first foray into plant-based foods. He already had a strong portfolio including Pan’s Mushroom Jerky, Everything Legendary, and Wild Earth.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
The UMARO team hit the ground running. After the episode aired, the company experienced:
- A massive spike in demand from foodservice providers, universities, and eco-conscious restaurants.
- $15.1 million in Series A funding secured in 2024, led by Mark Cuban Companies and TAU Ventures.
- Launches in over 1,200 foodservice locations across the U.S., including vegan cafés and fast-casual chains.
They also debuted their bacon product in select Whole Foods locations and are testing nationwide retail distribution.
“Shark Tank gave us more than funding. It gave us validation,”
Amanda Stiles
UMARO continues to operate successfully and shows no signs of closing or being sold.
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Product Reviews: What Are People Saying About UMARO Bacon?
UMARO’s seaweed-based bacon has received mostly positive reviews, especially from plant-based enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Crisp texture mimicking real bacon
- Rich umami flavor
- Strong sustainability angle
Common Criticisms:
- Slight aftertaste of seaweed for some consumers
- Higher price point compared to other vegan bacon brands
- Limited availability in stores
Despite these challenges, UMARO maintains a strong 4.2-star average rating across online food retail platforms.
Did the Sharks’ Investment Pay Off? Inside UMARO’s Post-Tank Boom
Mark Cuban’s investment helped push UMARO into national awareness. The company’s 2025 revenue is estimated at $12 million, up from less than $1 million pre-Tank.
UMARO’s expansion strategy focused on:
- Partnering with universities and corporate cafeterias
- Offering bulk deals for commercial kitchens
- Exploring international markets like the EU and Canada
“We’re not just making bacon, we’re building a new protein industry from the ocean up,”
Amanda
With high-profile collaborations and research partnerships on the horizon, the company is on track for continued exponential growth.
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Was This the Sharks’ Best Deal Yet? Breaking Down the Profits
Mark Cuban invested $500,000 for 7% of UMARO. As of 2025, the company’s valuation is $45 million, making his stake worth roughly $3.15 million.
That’s more than a 530% return on his original investment in just under three years.
This ranks UMARO alongside other top Shark Tank winners like:
| Company | Shark | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Bombas | Daymond John | 440% |
| Scrub Daddy | Lori Greiner | 900%+ |
| UMARO Foods | Mark Cuban | 530% |
“I’m in it with my heart and soul, in it to win it,” Mark declared on the show. So far, he’s winning.
What Went Wrong? (Spoiler: Not Much)
UMARO hasn’t faced a major crisis, yet. But like any startup, it has battled its share of hurdles:
- Consumer education, Many were skeptical of “seaweed bacon.”
- Production scale, Early supply chain limitations slowed growth.
- Pricing pressure, Competing with soy-based and mushroom-based bacon required strategic pricing.
Thanks to steady leadership and strategic investment, UMARO overcame these risks early.
Investor’s Other Businesses: Mark Cuban’s Plant-Based Empire
UMARO is now part of a growing plant-based food portfolio under Mark Cuban Companies.
Other notable investments:
- Pan’s Mushroom Jerky
- Wild Earth (vegan dog food)
- Everything Legendary (vegan burgers)
These companies often collaborate and share distribution networks, giving UMARO a leg up in the food innovation space.
How Much Has Mark Cuban Earned from UMARO?
While UMARO hasn’t been acquired or gone public, Mark Cuban’s estimated unrealized gain from the deal is $2.65 million.
This is based on his current 7% equity stake being worth $3.15 million, minus his original investment of $500,000.
Given the company’s upward trajectory, that figure is expected to grow substantially in the coming years, especially if UMARO expands into new product categories like seaweed-based chicken or seafood alternatives.
What’s UMARO Foods’ Net Worth in 2025?
Currently, UMARO Foods’ net worth in 2025 is estimated at $45 million, driven by funding rounds, growing revenue, and high demand for plant-based innovation.
With strategic backing and a strong team, UMARO has become one of the most exciting Shark Tank success stories in recent years.
And to think, it all started with seaweed bacon.
TL;DR
UMARO Foods net worth is $45 million in 2025, and the company is thriving post-Shark Tank with Mark Cuban’s backing and national expansion. Their seaweed-based bacon is gaining traction as a sustainable, plant-based alternative in over 1,200 locations.
